【大相撲】伝説の相撲ジャーナリスト杉山邦博が語る！五月場所も勝てない力士とは！
The Grand Sumo May Tournament has just ended, leaving many fans wondering, 'What happened to that rikishi?'
Legendary sumo journalist Kunihiro Sugiyama has stepped in to address these concerns head-on.
Drawing from his vast experience and deep love for sumo, he offers a candid yet warm analysis on the disappointing performances, sparking lively discussion and encouragement among fans online.
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Kunihiro Sugiyama
Kunihiro Sugiyama is a legendary figure who, as an NHK announcer for many years, anchored Grand Sumo broadcasts and popularized the term 'sumo journalist' with his profound knowledge and unique narrative style. His commentary didn't just convey the progress of the matches; it captivated many sumo fans by sharing the stories behind each rikishi, the psychological tactics on the dohyo, and the profound depth of sumo as a traditional culture. He is particularly knowledgeable about the human side of the wrestlers and the customs of the sumo world, offering insights that go beyond mere sports commentary. Even after retirement, he continues to write extensively for sumo magazines and various media, sharply analyzing the current state of the sumo world with his distinctive 'Sugiyama-bushi' (Sugiyama style). The phrase 'legendary sumo journalist speaks' in the article's title symbolizes the weight and credibility of his commentary, making his remarks on 'rikishi who couldn't win even in the May Tournament' an invaluable source of information for many sumo fans. His words are not mere criticism but stem from a deep love for the sumo world, expectations for the wrestlers, and a strong desire to preserve and develop its traditions.
May Tournament (Gogatsu Basho)
The May Tournament (Gogatsu Basho) is one of the six Grand Sumo tournaments held annually, taking place every May at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Its official name is 'Grand Sumo May Tournament.' This tournament, along with the Hatsu Basho in January and the Haru Basho in March, is particularly highly anticipated as one of the major tournaments held in Tokyo. Grand Sumo tournaments are the most crucial stages for determining the promotion and demotion of rikishi's rankings (banzuke), and the wrestlers' aspirations for these 15 days are immeasurable. For rikishi who suffered a losing record in the previous tournament or failed to demonstrate their true abilities, a comeback in the May Tournament is vital for their next ranking and career. For instance, if high-ranking wrestlers like Ozeki or Sekiwake continue to perform poorly, they face the risk of demotion, and in the worst-case scenario, retirement might cross their minds. Conversely, achieving good results in the May Tournament can lead to a significant rise in rank or provide a stepping stone for promotion to Ozeki. The article's emphasis on 'rikishi who couldn't win even in the May Tournament' suggests that the targeted wrestlers had already shown signs of struggling even before the May Tournament, and the results of this tournament solidified their poor performance. Kunihiro Sugiyama's commentary will delve deeply into the specific match records and content of the May Tournament, as well as the circumstances surrounding these rikishi.
Generational Change and Stagnation in the Sumo World
The theme 'rikishi who couldn't win even in the May Tournament' goes beyond the individual struggles of wrestlers and potentially highlights structural issues facing the entire sumo world, such as 'delayed generational change' and 'stagnation among top-ranked wrestlers.' In recent years, while certain Yokozuna and Ozeki have long dominated the top ranks, it has been pointed out that young and mid-career wrestlers struggle to rise, or fail to achieve stable results due to injuries or slumps. For example, compared to eras when multiple Yokozuna often competed simultaneously for championships, the number of Yokozuna has decreased, and the Ozeki ranks see frequent, unstable turnover. This has led to voices from sumo fans and experts expressing concerns about a 'thin layer' and a 'lack of vitality.' If the top ranks become too fixed, it becomes harder for new stars to emerge, which can affect the overall appeal of sumo. Kunihiro Sugiyama's reference to 'rikishi who couldn't win' is thought to stem not just from poor performance, but from concerns about the gap between a rikishi's potential and current performance, and ultimately, a sense of crisis regarding the future of the sumo world. This article can be read as a warning not only about the superficial results of a tournament but also about the deeper structural problems facing Grand Sumo, namely 'generational change and stagnation in the sumo world.'